Amniocentesis:
Amniocentesis is a common prenatal test in which a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is removed and examined. It is the most common prenatal test used to diagnose chromosomal and genetic abnormality.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS):
A prenatal test that can diagnose most, but not all, of the same birth defects as can amniocentesis. CVS is done earlier in pregnancy (usually between 10 and 12 weeks) than amniocentesis.

Endocrinologist:
Endocrinology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes.

Lead Maternity Carer:
Under New Zealand’s maternity arrangements, women need to choose a lead maternity carer who will be responsible for providing and coordinating their maternity care, developing a care plan and attending labour and birth. A lead maternity carer (LMC) can be a midwife (independent or hospital-based), a general practitioner, an obstetrician or a hospital team.

Mammographer:
A specialist radiation technologist trained in mammography.

Medical RadiationTechnologist (MRT):
Medical Radiation Technologists use x-ray and other imaging equipment to take images of people’s injuries and possible diseases. Alternative titles include, diagnostic radiation technologist, diagnostic radiographer, medical imaging technologist and radiographer.

Pathology:
The study of disease processes with the aim of understanding their nature and causes. This is achieved by observing samples of blood, urine, faeces and tissue taken from patients and sent to the appropriate laboratories for assessment.

Medical Radiation Technologist:
Medical Radiation Technologists use x-ray and other imaging equipment to take images of people’s injuries and possible diseases.

Radiologist:
Radiologists are medical specialists. Radiologists complete their medical degree and then require a further five years to specialise in diagnosing diseases of the human body using x-rays, ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and other imaging technologies. Radiologists can also be involved in treatment (interventional radiologists)

Rheumatologist:
A rheumatologist is doctor who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.

Sonographer:
A radiographer with a further qualification in the use of ultrasound procedures.

Biopsy:
Biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue from the body for examination. The tissue will be examined under a microscope to assist in diagnosis, therefore, only very small samples are needed.

Neuroradiology :
Neuroradiology is the branch of radiology dealing with the nervous system, which may involve CT or MRI imaging.